OLD NEWS

Newton town library will soon have new staff

By Rachel Christensen

Otober 6, 2008 | NEWTON -- Sara Rigby is training to become the town's head librarian and five others have submitted applications to become library helpers, Mayor Clair Christiansen told the Town Council Thursday.

Cleo Griffin, Newton's current head librarian, said Rigby completed the necessary certification and is now being trained to take the position. Griffin also gave council the names of residents interested in becoming library helpers. Christiansen said he was fine with all of the applicants and left the final decision to Griffin.

"Accredited librarians are few and far between," Griffin said.

Griffin also said she is in favor of a proposal to build a county library, however Newton voters who are used to the local library are not.

"We've spoiled them," Griffin said.

Christiansen said the county library fund would help build a new library, however control of the library would go to the county.

"[The library] is the best thing we've got going out here," Christiansen said.

In other business:

- Councilman Greg Jorgenson said the fire truck needs odds and ends ranging from gate valves to mounting brackets. The total price of needed equipment for the fire department is a little over $2,000, he said, and the budget will cover some of the cost.

- The owners of the Griffin property have decided not to subdivide the lot, Councilman Jed Woodward said, and therefore do not have to create a new road. He said they will still have to buy a share of water for the lot, but they do not need to worry about a road unless they do anything else with the land in the future.

- Susan Newmyer-Jeppson, town treasurer, said Newton's 24th of July celebration was a success. The food and T-shirts for the event paid for themselves and 6,256 people attended, she said.

"I think we had more this year than we've ever had," Newmyer-Jeppson said.

- Mayor Christiansen said the price of basic Comcast in Newton will change from $12.99 to $15.99. He also said residents should be aware that the channels they receive from a basic pack will also be changing.

NW
MS